Diagnose your painting problems with our detailed list of common defects, their causes and simple prevention measures. Here are a few ideas to plan and have your painting job done in a more organized way.
Low Coverage
Causes :
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Improper thinning and application.
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Highly absorbent surface.
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Rough texture of plaster.
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Top coat application directly over putty without application of primer.
Prevention:
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Please read instructions on shade card or product packaging or refer to “Features and Application” section. Follow recommended instructions on application procedures and thinning.
Blistering
Causes :
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Caused by trapped moisture or gases in paint film (more likely in enamels).
Prevention :
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Follow the specified recoating time interval.
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Top coat application should not result in too thick a film at a time.
Remedy :
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Smooth sand the surface and then repaint it.
Poor Adhesion
Causes :
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Application of paint over oily, greasy or very smooth surface.
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Application over loose particles like dust or rust.
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Not sanding previous coat of gloss paint.
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Application over partially dried coat.
Prevention :
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Ensure proper surface preparation.
Remedy :
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Surface should be repainted.
Chalking
Causes:
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Application of paint over oily, greasy or very smooth surface.
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Application over loose particles like dust or rust.
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Not sanding previous coat of gloss paint.
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Application over partially dried coat.
Prevention:
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Ensure proper surface preparation.
Remedy:
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Surface should be repainted.
Orange Peel
Causes :
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Application of top coat paint in highly viscous form.
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Use of improper thinner.
Prevention:
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Sufficient drying time between coats.
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Use recommended painting system.
Remedy:
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Scrape out orange peel and repaint.
Sags and Runs
Causes :
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Application of excessively thick coat.
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Use of a wrong thinner.
Prevention:
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Apply finish coat using recommended thinner.
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Do not apply thick coats.
Remedy:
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Sand surface to smoothen the sagged areas and repaint.
Brush Marks
Causes :
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Applying paint using poor quality brushes.
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Highly viscous paint.
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Careless application.
Prevention:
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Use proper brushes and thin paint to desired proportion.
Remedy:
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Sand surface to a smooth finish and apply paint (after thinning to desired proportion).
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Use good quality brushes.
Checking and Chalking
Causes :
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Cracking of plaster.
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Application of matt finish over glossy undercoat finish.
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Application of finish coat before drying of the under coat.
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Applying quick hard dry coats over a soft one.
Prevention:
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Undercoat and top coat of paint should have identical physical properties.
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Allow drying time between two coats.
Remedy:
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Entire coat must be completely removed.
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Exposed base should be then rubbed down to a smooth face and primed before repainting.
Yellowing
Causes :
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Paint film is deprived of natural sunlight (especially in case of enamels).
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Paint film subjected to too much sunlight.
Prevention:
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Use paints like Royale, Premium Emulsion.
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Improved daylight and ventilation for inside work.
Remedy:
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Surface should be cleaned and repainted.
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Use recommended system.
Microbial Growth
Causes:
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Painting over a surface affected with microbial growth.
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Seepage or dampness in buildings.
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Contamination of paint by materials used in putty preparation.
Prevention:
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Before painting, area should be cleaned with 5-10 % bleach solution.
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Use clear water for thinning and putty preparation.
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Keep doors and windows open during and after painting.
Remedy:
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Clean with bleach solution and repaint.
Patchiness
Causes:
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Application of finish coat over spot puttied surfaces.
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High alkalinity of surface (evident in new walls).
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Incomplete drying of putty.
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Application of thick coat of putty.
Prevention:
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Allow new walls to get cured for at least three months.
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Apply thin coats of putty.
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Always apply a primer coat after applying spot putty.
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Always sandwich coats of putty with primer.
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Cracks in plaster should be filled with cement sand mixture.
Remedy:
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Scrape the surface and repaint adopting the right surface preparation.